Brush couple receives help

Fundraiser held to assist with medical expenses

ByKATIE COLLINS Brush News-Tribune

Posted:
12/05/2012 11:30:58 AM MST

Connie Cluff and her husband Tarry,? at left in front row, were the guests of honor at a recent fundraising event held to help the couple with medical bills. Also pictured are, front, George Baker, who responded to the Cluff s medical emergency in October, and standing from left, Susie Cyprian, Becci Meza and Charlotte Dulaney, who all helped with the benefit.
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Nearly 300 people and more than 50 donors helped create a touching and triumphant event as community members from Brush and the surrounding areas came together for the "I Heart Connie Cluff" fundraiser held at the Brush High School recently.

For Connie and husband Tarry Cluff, two beloved area residents known for their own generosity, the show of appreciation and aid was overwhelming and helped them cover costs of deductibles and co-pay for the year, making for a substantial emotional gift of gratitude after Connie suffered a massive heart attack in early October.

"We have so many people to thank, and I don't even know how or where to start showing my appreciation," Connie said as she held back tears of joy. "The entire community has always been so good to us and we are very lucky to live our lives here."

"The past few weeks have been so overwhelming," noted Connie, "and I love this community so much. I tried to dish out as many hugs there as I could, and we never dreamed people would respond with such kindness, but Tarry and I both are so grateful that you all did."

From husband Tarry, who Connie now endearingly refers to as her hero, to the people surrounding the couple who helped respond so quickly at the moment she suffered a heart attack, the Cluffs are ever grateful.

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Neighbor and retired firefighter George Baker and neighbor John Gilbert were on hand at a moment's notice on hearing of Connie's peril and along with Brush Police Officer Tim White and Fire Chief Paul Acosta, the fast actions of area responders may just be the reason Connie was able to battle through the life-threatening incident, according to the Cluffs.

The Cluffs also made sure to give heartfelt thanks to event organizer and dear family friend and family member Charlotte Kerr Dulaney who gave so much time and effort in creating the fundraiser.

Dulaney had much praise to dish out to community members such as John Sweeney at Brush Grocery Kart and Jon Cook at Pepsi for providing almost all of the food, to AC Ice for donating 200-plus pounds of ice and to Brush High School staff and administration for allowing the event to be held there.

More than 200 items were donated to the silent auction, providing those in attendance with the chance to win Stock Show tickets, gift certificates for many salons and restaurants, tools, gift baskets, afghans, toys, movie tickets, newspaper subscriptions, cookie jars, home décor items, physician exams and so much more.